Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
Brandon Graham and the Eagles made it official on Tuesday morning, announcing that the franchise legend will come out of retirement and rejoin the defending Super Bowl champs. Graham, who played 15 consecutive seasons with the Eagles as the longest-tenured player in franchise history, retired in March. But Graham, one of the best defensive ends of his era and one of the most beloved Philadelphia athletes in recent memory, is back. So, when could Graham make his triumphant return this season? Will he suit up on Sunday vs. the Giants at Lincoln Financial Field? Or is it more likely that he returns after the Week 9 bye week vs. the Packers on Nov. 10? Graham broke down his decision to unretire on his podcast, PHLY Sports’ “Brandon Graham Unblocked,” on Tuesday. He said he was originally planning on returning after the bye. Then, veteran Za’Darius Smith abruptly retired last Monday. Smith’s decision expedited things. “But it’s cool. I am glad I’m doing it earlier because I get a week of practice. Get another week on the bye week. Of course, I’m going to do some extra (work). I’ve got to get my training camp going,” Graham said. “I think by Green Bay I should be a go, just easing my way in. But who knows? It could be this week. You just never know. They want to see where I’m at.” Graham was later asked, in a segment blind ranking reasons for his return, if he was intrigued by the prospect of trying to tackle hard-running Giants back Cam Skattebo. “I’m gonna miss out on that one,” Graham said. “I don’t know about this week. I don’t know. I don’t know how it’s going to go this week.” So, while nothing is official, it sounds like Graham is shooting for the Packers game on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” on Nov. 10 at Lambeau Field. If that’s the case, Graham’s reintroduction at the Linc would be on Nov. 16 against the Lions — which would be fitting for the Detroit native and former Michigan standout. Of course, Graham left the door open to play this Sunday against the Giants. The 37-year-old’s unretirement was just announced, so there’s some fluidity to the situation. But whenever Graham, the franchise leader in tackles for loss, is ready to go, the Eagles would love to have him.
